This invention is directed to prodrugs of rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors. These prodrugs are in general the ester or the amide derivatives of the parent compounds. These prodrugs are often weak inhibitors of ROCK, but their parent compounds have good activities. Upon instillation into the eyes, the ester or the amide group of these prodrugs is rapidly hydrolyzed into alcohol, amine, or acid, and the prodrugs are converted into the active base compounds. The prodrugs of ROCK inhibitors provide several advantages such as delivery of higher concentrations of the active species into the target site and reduction of ocular discomfort. The invention is also directed to a method of treating ophthalmic diseases such as glaucoma, allergic conjunctivitis, macular edema, macular degeneration, and blepharitis, by administering an effective amount of a ROCK prodrug compound of Formula (I) to the eyes of the patient in need of.
